Can You Mix Collagen with Your OxyShred?
Yes, you can confidently mix collagen with your OxyShred. This is a common practice among users who want to consolidate their supplement routine while enjoying the benefits of both products. The manufacturer of OxyShred, EHPlabs, has even developed and promoted its own unflavored marine collagen powder, OxyGlow, specifically for stacking with their other products like OxyShred. Since collagen is simply a protein, similar to adding it to a protein shake or coffee, there is no inherent harm or risk in combining the two.
The Synergy of Collagen and OxyShred
While OxyShred is designed to support fat burning, energy, and metabolism, collagen is primarily focused on supporting connective tissues like skin, hair, nails, and joints. Combining them allows you to simultaneously address both fitness and beauty goals. For instance, OxyShred provides a powerful thermogenic boost for your workout, while the collagen supports joint health to aid recovery and keep you performing at your best.
Benefits of Stacking Collagen and OxyShred
Combining these two supplements offers several synergistic advantages:
- Enhanced Results: You can target multiple goals at once, from boosting metabolism with OxyShred to improving skin elasticity and joint support with collagen.
- Convenience: Mixing both into a single drink saves time and ensures you don't miss either supplement, streamlining your daily regimen.
- Flavor Versatility: Unflavored collagen peptides can be easily added to your favorite flavored OxyShred without altering the taste.
- Improved Recovery: While OxyShred provides energy for your workout, collagen offers crucial amino acids that help with post-workout recovery, especially for muscles and joints.
Best Practices for Mixing Your Supplements
Choose the Right Collagen
The best collagen for mixing with OxyShred is a flavorless, hydrolyzed collagen peptide powder. The hydrolysis process breaks down the protein into smaller, more bioavailable peptides, making it easier for your body to absorb and less likely to clump in your drink. While marine collagen (like EHPlabs' OxyGlow) is a popular choice for skin and beauty benefits, bovine collagen is also a viable option and generally contains Type I and III collagen for broader benefits.
Optimal Timing and Preparation
To get the maximum benefit from OxyShred, EHPlabs recommends taking it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach to maximize the absorption of its fat-burning ingredients. Since collagen is also best absorbed on an empty stomach and is often paired with Vitamin C (which is present in OxyShred), mixing them in the morning is the most effective approach.
- Preparation: Add one scoop of OxyShred to 300ml of cold water, as per label instructions.
- Add Collagen: Scoop your unflavored collagen peptides into the same shaker.
- Mix Thoroughly: Shake or stir vigorously until both powders are completely dissolved to avoid any lumps or gritty texture.
- Wait Before Eating: For maximum absorption, wait 20 minutes after drinking your mixture before consuming food.
Potential Side Effects and Considerations
While mixing collagen with OxyShred is generally safe, it's important to be aware of potential side effects and to listen to your body. As with any supplement, starting with a smaller dose is recommended to assess your tolerance.
Potential Side Effects
- Digestive Issues: Some individuals may experience mild digestive discomfort, such as bloating or a change in bowel movements, when first introducing collagen. Starting with a half scoop of each can help your body adjust.
- Stimulant Sensitivity: OxyShred contains caffeine, so if you are sensitive to stimulants, you may experience an increased heart rate, jitters, or restlessness. Adding collagen does not affect this, but it's an important factor to consider.
- Lingering Taste: While unflavored collagen is designed to be tasteless, some report a slight aftertaste. Using a flavored collagen or mixing it into a sweeter OxyShred flavor can help mitigate this.
Considerations
- Allergies: If you have a fish allergy, you should avoid marine-based collagen, including OxyGlow. Opt for a bovine-based collagen instead.
- Other Supplements: If you are stacking OxyShred with other supplements, particularly other stimulants, be mindful of your total caffeine intake.
- Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is always important when taking supplements, especially thermogenics like OxyShred.
Comparison Table: Collagen & OxyShred Benefits
| Feature | OxyShred (Thermogenic) | Collagen (Protein Peptides) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Enhances metabolism and fat burning | Supports connective tissue, skin, hair, and nails |
| Key Ingredients | Acetyl L-Carnitine, Green Coffee Bean Extract, L-Glutamine, B-Vitamins | Hydrolyzed Type I and III Collagen Peptides |
| Best Time to Take | Morning on an empty stomach or pre-workout | Morning on an empty stomach or anytime |
| Energy Boost | Yes, contains stimulants like caffeine | No, though it can help with muscle recovery |
| Immunity Support | Yes, contains ingredients like Vitamin C and L-Glutamine | Can support gut health, which aids immunity |
| Mixability | Excellent, dissolves easily in water | Good, especially hydrolyzed peptides |
| Side Effects | Potential jitters or restlessness due to caffeine | Possible mild digestive upset |
Conclusion
In summary, you can safely and effectively combine collagen with your OxyShred to create a powerful two-in-one supplement. This approach is not only convenient but also provides a comprehensive range of benefits, from enhanced fat burning and energy to improved joint health and skin elasticity. By choosing a quality unflavored hydrolyzed collagen powder, mixing it properly, and being mindful of your body’s reaction, you can confidently integrate both into your daily routine. Always follow the manufacturer's recommended serving sizes and consult a healthcare provider if you have any pre-existing health conditions or concerns.
